Vaginal anomalies

[2][4] Müllerian duct anomalies are caused by a disturbance during the embryonic time of genitourinary development.

The uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries can be functional despite the presence of a defect of the vagina and external genitalia.

Functioning ovaries in a woman with a vaginal defect allows the implantation of a fertilized ovum into the uterus of an unaffected gestational carrier, usually another human.

Since this is slightly shorter than older descriptions, it may impact the diagnosis of women with vaginal agenesis or hypoplasia who may unnecessarily be encouraged to undergo treatment to increase the size of the vagina.

[10] Vaginal anomalies may cause difficulties in urination, conception, pregnancy, impair sex.

[11] Some anomalies are found upon examination shortly after birth or when the development of sexual characteristics does not progress as expected.

The origin of many vaginal anomalies is due to a disturbance during the embryonic stage of genitourinary development.

[39] Diethylstilbestrol (DES), also known formerly (and inappropriately) as stilboestrol, is a synthetic nonsteroidal estrogen and teratogen that can cause vaginal abnormalities in the developing embryo.

[40] The cause of isolated cases of vaginal anomalies can not always be identified, though disruption of the embryonic development of the vagina likely plays a significant role.

[46] The hymen can be unusually thick or partially obstructed by the presence of fibrous bands of tissue.

[52][53][54] Vaginal adenosis is the abnormal presence of cervical and uterine tissue within the wall of the vagina.

[59] Vaginal hypoplasia is the under-development of the vagina and is found in instances of complete androgen insensitivity syndrome.

[63][64] Septa can prevent menstrual flow and result in painful intercourse, though some women do not have symptoms.

[66] Notable is the mention of vaginal anomalies and pelvic organ prolapse in older cultures and locations.

Sim subsequently developed another procedure that did not require the full-thickness dissection of the vaginal wall.

Shortly after this time it was proposed that reattaching the vagina to support structures was more successful and resulted in less recurrence.

Further advances in 1961 began when surgeons started to reattach of the anterior vaginal wall to Cooper's ligament.

Beginning in 1976, improvement in suturing began along with the surgical removal of the vagina being used to treat prolapse of the bladder.